Lavatory System with Overflow Prevention and Other Features

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for a lavatory system are described that include a bidirectional hand dryer having a top, bottom, back, and right side and multiple sensors and LEDs. Upper and lower nozzles are also provided and respectively connected to upper and lower plenums. At least two flexible air delivery hoses are connected to the plenums. A motor housing is provided and includes a motor, ports connected to the hoses, noise abatement features, and a motor microcontroller. A hand-receiving cavity exists between the top, back, right, and bottom side for receiving at least one hand of a user. Tips are connected to the nozzles and emit high speed colliding columns of air to shear water off of the user&#39;s hand. The columns of air are spaced and calibrated in such a way as to reduce forces on the user&#39;s hand which would otherwise move the hand toward the side surfaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to the field of lavatorysystems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a lavatorysystem containing a combination wash basin with faucet, soap dispensingsystem, and bidirectional hand dryer which are triggered by sensors.Preferably, the system also has a number of unique use, overflowprevention, and cleaning features.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

As is known to those skilled in the art, lavatories in public placessuch as schools, libraries, airports, train and bus terminals, andshopping centers can be very busy at times. Further, depending on thevolume of use and staffing, they can be messy, germ-filled environmentsthat may be difficult for staff to adequately keep clean and safe. Thus,a previously recognized problem has been that often paper toweling runsout and waste baskets overflow. Further, the toweling and disposalthereof is costly. Moreover, hand-washing and drying stations,countertops, and floors in such public buildings easily become wet anddirty and are rarely configured for efficient use, cleaning, andmaintenance.

While electronic hand dryers have been around for decades, thispreviously recognized solution also has the disadvantage of relativelyhigh cost. Further, because of how such dryers are manufactured andsold, they are normally stand-alone units that are mounted some distancefrom the wash station. This forces users to wash, then drip water acrossthe floor and dry their hands in another area of the room. The water onthe floor may pool creating an unsafe, slippery, and germ-filled area.Further, as building construction and maintenance costs have risen andstaffing is reduced, a preferred solution will be seen by the purchaseras being cost effective. A solution is cost effective when it is seen bythe purchaser as compelling when compared with other potential systemsthat the purchaser could obtain with limited resources.

In light of the above, it is desirable to have a lavatory system that isefficiently configured to use, maintain, and clean and that helpsprovide a more safe environment for lavatory users.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

By way of summary, the present invention is directed to a lavatorysystem. In one embodiment, the lavatory system includes a wash basinhaving a faucet operably connected to the wash basin and a soapdispensing system having a spout operably connected to the wash basin. Ahand drying system is in fluid communication with the wash basin. Thehand drying system includes a hand-receiving cavity, a top portion withan air outlet, and a bottom portion with an air outlet. The hand dryingsystem also includes a motor in fluid communication with the air outletsfor blowing air through the outlets. Multiple proximity sensors areoperably connected to the motor and turn the motor on and off whentriggered by an object. The lavatory system preferably also includes amechanism to prevent water from entering the air outlets and the motor.For example, in one embodiment, small frustoconical protrusionspreferably extend from the bottom portion air outlets to prevent waterfrom entering into the air outlets and the motor.

The lavatory system also preferably includes a countertop integral withthe wash basin. A frame under the countertop generally supports thecountertop, wash basin with drainpipe, and motor. The frame includes afirst generally triangular bracket mounted to a lavatory wall and asecond generally triangular bracket mounted to a lavatory wall. A coverand end caps fit under the wash basin and countertop and mask the frame,motor, and drainpipe. A primary air inlet is in fluid communication withthe motor and includes a small gap between the cover and/or at least oneend cap and a lavatory wall to further attenuate the sound and minimizeforeign object pick-up. An overflow prevention mechanism may include alip integral with the wash basin that is located on a left side frontedge of the wash basin and is lower than the bottom portion air outlets.

In use, at least one hand of a user is inserted into the hand dryingsystem cavity at nearly an oblique angle, e.g., from about 5 to 50degrees, from the horizontal. Four sensors located in and around thecavity are continuously queried by a microcontroller to detect thepresence of such an object, e.g., the hand, in the cavity. The sensorsare controlled by the microcontroller which is located on a sensorcontrol board. A second microcontroller is located on a motor controlboard. This microcontroller operates the motor so that when the objectis detected, the motor ejects air from the air outlets at preferablyabout 2.2 to 2.9 pounds per square inch (PSI) at the user's hand. Bothmicrocontrollers control a preferable pre-programmed activation delay ofapproximately 400-800 milliseconds (ms) to delay, e.g., the starting ofthe motor.

The lavatory system has a service mode wherein one sensor is triggeredto allow the hand-receiving cavity to be temporarily disabled. Forexample, if the right-most sensor consistently detects an object, thehand dryer is disabled for about 30 to 60 seconds to facilitate cleaningof the hand cavity.

The motor is surrounded by a motor housing that has an upper or outercasement, an intake cover and a rubber motor mounting isolation ring andhousing gasket operably connected to the motor. The microcontrollerpreferably operates the motor to push air out a first and second outletport each connecting to a hose. A preferably high efficiency particulateair (HEPA) media filter is contained in the housing to prevent debrisfrom entering the motor and provide filtered air to the user.Sound-reducing techniques are also preferably employed in the motorhousing. For example, foam insulation is provided to isolate and deadenthe sound of the motor. A filter cover covers the filter and isconfigured to shift the direction of the air stream entering the motorhousing. The filter cover also contains acoustical foam to reduce theoperating volume of the motor and fan. As an added safety feature, themotor's air outlet ports are preferably covered by grates to prevent anobject from being inserted into the ports.

The top portion air outlet and bottom portion air outlet arerespectively fluidly connected to a first plenum and a second plenumthat respectively connect via the hoses to the first outlet port andsecond outlet port in the motor housing. Each plenum is formed from twopieces of injection-molded plastic. In one embodiment, the central axesof the holes in the first or upper plenum are configured to emit air atan angle about 1 degree from vertical so as to aim the air toward theback side of the cavity. The central axes of the holes in the second orlower plenum are offset at an angle to emit air at about 37 degrees fromhorizontal and aim the air toward the back of the cavity. The plenums'two injection-molded pieces are preferably bonded and screwed togetherand a center post screw may be provided, as needed, to minimize thedeflection of the plenums when pressurized.

Another embodiment of the lavatory system includes a wash basin, afaucet protruding from the wash basin, a soap dispensing spoutprotruding from the wash basin, and a hand dryer integral with the washbasin having a cavity, a top portion with air holes, and a bottomportion with air holes. Sensors along with lights, e.g., light-emittingdiodes (LEDs), are operably connected to the hand dryer to continuouslyilluminate the hand dryer cavity at a low intensity level when a sensordoes not detect the presence of an object and at a high intensity levelwhen sensors detect that an object has entered into the dryer cavity.The LEDs may also serve to instruct a user to follow a certain path whenusing the system.

In one embodiment, a motor housing having a motor and an outer casementis operably connected to the hand dryer. Within the casement, a fan andan integral control are operably connected to the motor. A motor housingcap is operably connected to the casement and has perforations for airintake which are positioned to help reduce the sound volume of the motorand fan. A rubber motor mounting isolation ring and housing gasketoperably connect to the motor. An outlet for connecting to a hosecontains an integral grate to prevent a user from touching any of themotor's electrical or rotating parts. A filter is provided to preventdebris from entering the motor and foam is used to isolate the sound ofthe motor. A filter or intake cover covers the filter. The motor housinghas an aluminum cover plate to provide a shield for electricalcomponents, a heat sink, a structural mount for cable interfaces, and acommon grounding point.

The system preferably has an overflow mechanism for preventing the motorand bottom portion air holes of the hand dryer from being filled withwater. The mechanism may include an overflow lip integral with the washbasin and lower than the bottom portion air holes, and/or frustoconicalprotruding nozzles connected to the air holes. Other overflow mechanismscan include a standard overflow in either the wash basin or cavity or anoverflow/drain located near the lower nozzle portion or plenum.

In another embodiment, a hand dryer is operably connected with a washbasin having a faucet and soap dispenser. The hand dryer has a top wall,bottom wall, back wall, and single side wall that create a hand cavitywith a front and single side opening to allow a hand to enter only at anoblique angle. A plurality of nozzles is provided along the top wall andbottom wall for ejecting air at the hand. A motor having a first outputand second output is in fluid communication with the top and bottom wallnozzles. The motor has a motor control circuit board. A motor housingsurrounds the motor and includes an air intake manifold or cap andfurther contains an air filter. A primary air inlet is in fluidcommunication with the motor and includes a small gap between a trapcover and a wall to minimize ingestion of foreign materials into themotor and improve acoustical sound attenuation.

Ultraviolet (UV) lighting or some other sterilization technique may beprovided to further disinfect hands and the hand cavity. Certain dryercomponents, including the nozzles, may have an antimicrobial additivethat is added during the manufacture of the plastic part or sprayed onlater.

Preferably, a single drain is contained in the wash basin and outside ofthe hand cavity. The drain is in fluid communication with the handcavity and preferably eliminates the need for another device to catchwater from the dryer and that must eventually be emptied.

The wash basin, bottom wall, a back wall, and single side wall areformed from a solid polymeric or a polymeric and stone material and thetop wall is formed, in part, by a top plenum portion that is relativelyhorizontal and further serves as a shelf.

The nozzles are configured to eject air at speeds of approximately340-360 miles per hour (MPH) at approximately 2.2-2.9 PSI. Preferably,the air creates high speed cylindrical upper and lower columns of airthat collide to cause an s-shaped air flow pattern. The s-shaped airpattern directs water blown off of a user's hand to the bottom wall andback wall and helps minimize splashing of water back onto the user. Thehigh speed cylindrical air columns and air flow pattern further minimizethe net force exerted by the air on a users' hands and arms so as not topush the user's hands or arms into the top or bottom walls/surfaces ofthe hand dryer cavity.

A second row of holes, a slot, or a port may be provided to present alower velocity air stream and further minimize splashing of water onto auser.

A sensor circuit board preferably controls a single bank of the sensors.The sensors are proximity sensors that measure distance bytriangulation. If one of the sensors is activated by an object in thehand cavity, the microcontroller on the sensor board rechecks theactivated sensor multiple times to validate that an object is actuallypresent in the hand cavity and to minimize false activations by the handdryer.

A programmable unit is also preferably present on the sensor board andincludes a time delay in communication with an on/off switch for themotor. The delay mechanism allows the user to enter the user's handsfully into the hand cavity prior to the motor achieving full speed.

The microcontroller present on the sensor circuit board also controlsLEDs. Some of the LEDs preferably continuously illuminate the handcavity. However, when the sensors detect a user's hand in the cavity,LED illumination of the cavity increases.

In yet another embodiment, the lavatory system includes a bidirectionalhand dryer having a top side, bottom side, back side, right side, andupper and lower nozzles respectively connected to upper and lowerplenums. At least two flexible air delivery hoses connect to theplenums. A motor housing is provided including a motor, ports connectedto the hoses, and a motor control.

A hand-receiving cavity between the top, back, right, and bottom sidesreceives at least one hand of a user. Upper and lower nozzle tipsconnect to the nozzles and emit high speed colliding columns of air toshear water off of the user's hand. The columns of air are spaced andcalibrated in such a way as to reduce forces on the user's hand thatwould otherwise move the hand toward the upper or lower plenums or thesides and surfaces thereof.

The upper to lower nozzle tip spacing is about 3.5 inches with a handcavity width of about 10 inches to provide the user with optimal comfortwhen using. The tips are pointed protrusions and help pull static airinto the air columns. The pointed shape also prevents water fromentering the nozzles.

In one embodiment, multiple distance sensors are present about thecavity and utilize triangulation or some other process to detect anobject one sensor at a time and from left to right in the sensor's fieldof view. The sensors are positioned so that they are slightly recessedand aimed vertically into the hand cavity. The sensor board ispreferably programmed so that all sensors are checked at about 130 msintervals, and, when a sensor flags a detection, it is then rechecked 15times over about a 15 ms period to ensure it was not a false trigger.

The lavatory system preferably also includes a touchless cleaning modefeature wherein if one sensor is the only sensor activated within thelast two seconds, and if activated continuously for about three seconds,the dryer will enter the mode to allow cleaning of the dryer for about30-60 seconds without dryer activation and then return to normaloperation. Lights are provided in the system that flash twice whenentering a cleaning mode and three times when approaching a time nearthe end of a cleaning cycle which is approximately 5 seconds before theend of an about 30-60 second cleaning cycle.

These and other aspects and objects of the present invention will bebetter appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction withthe following description and the accompanying drawings. It should beunderstood, however, that the following description, while indicatingpreferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way ofillustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications maybe made within the scope of the present invention without departing fromthe spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting thepresent invention and of the construction and operation of typicalmechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readilyapparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting,embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a partof this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate thesame elements in the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a view of a lavatory system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a lavatory system according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation cutaway view of a lavatory system accordingto the present invention showing upper portion and hand-washingfeatures;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of a cutaway portion of the lavatorysystem according to the present invention showing the faucet and soapdispenser;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of a cutaway portion of the lavatorysystem according to the present invention showing the upper portion andupper air outlet;

FIG. 6A is a side view of a cutaway portion of the lavatory systemaccording to the present invention showing the upper portion, lowernozzles, and basin;

FIG. 6B is a side view of a cutaway portion of the lavatory systemaccording to the present invention illustrating the hand dryer and lowernozzle tips;

FIG. 7 is a partially exploded lower view of the hand dryer showing thetop portion, upper air outlet, and hand dryer sensors;

FIG. 8 is a partially exploded upper view of the top portion showing theupper plenum;

FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the lavatory system showing thehand dryer, motor, upper plenum, and lower plenum;

FIG. 10 is a partially exploded view of the lavatory system showing thehand dryer motor, upper plenum, and lower plenum;

FIG. 11 is a lower view of the hand dryer upper plenum of the lavatorysystem according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the hand dryer upper plenum ofthe lavatory system according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an elevation view of the hand dryer lower plenum of thelavatory system according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the hand dryer lower plenum ofthe lavatory system according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an elevation view of the hand dryer motor of the lavatorysystem according to the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of the hand dryer motor of thelavatory system according to the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a view of the sensor board of the lavatory system accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a lower front view of the lavatory system according to thepresent invention with a cover removed to show the mounting hardware;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a preferred air flow path from thehand dryer motor;

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the hand dryer sensors according to thepresent invention interacting with a hand;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the hand dryer electrical components;

FIG. 22 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of a lavatorysystem according to the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a side view of a cutaway portion of still another embodimentof the lavatory system according to the present invention illustrating ahand dryer, drain hole, and lower nozzle portion; and

FIG. 24 is a lower front view of the embodiment of FIG. 23 according tothe present invention with a cover removed to show a drain tube anddrainpipe.

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention that isillustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted tofor the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the inventionbe limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understoodthat each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operatein a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, thewords “connected”, “attached”, or terms similar thereto are often used.They are not limited to direct connection but include connection throughother elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalentby those skilled in the art.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention and the various features and advantageous detailsthereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limitingembodiments described in detail in the following description.

Now turning generally to FIGS. 1-24, the present invention is directedgenerally to a lavatory system 10. The lavatory system 10, preferably,has a wash basin 20, including a wash basin wall 22. As shown in FIGS.1-4, faucet 24 is provided within the wash basin 20. The faucet 24 mayinclude indicia etched thereon such as a water droplet symbol or afaucet light 23 for directing a user. Such etched indicia may beparticularly helpful to a user that has poor eyesight. The faucet 24 mayalso include a sensor located behind a sensor window 25 whichautomatically engages a faucet control to provide water to the user. Thefaucet 24 is connected to plumbing to provide hot and/or cold water tothe faucet. Preferably, the water is provided at a comfortabletemperature for the user's hands.

A soap dispensing system 26 is near the faucet 24 and in the wash basin20. The soap dispenser 26 includes a spout 28 and a soap dispensingsensor (located behind sensor window 29) to detect an object, such as auser's hand 166 (See, e.g., FIG. 20), and provide soap thereto. Indicia,such as soap bubbles, or a light 27 may also be etched on the spout 28.As best shown in FIG. 1, a countertop 30 is preferably provided aboveand around the wash basin 20. The soap dispenser or system 26 includes aliquid soap container (not shown) located under the wash basin 20 andcountertop 30 and that is connected to the spout 28. A backsplash 32 mayalso be present and integral with the countertop 30. Thus, the soapcontainer is masked, in part, also by the backsplash 32. Furtherdisclosure of one embodiment of the soap dispensing system 26 may befound in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/088,512 furtherincorporated herein by reference.

As best seen in FIG. 2, preferably a single drain 42, preferably withdrain cap, is provided in the wash basin 20. This drain 42 takes soapand water from the wash basin 20 down to a drainpipe (not shown). Thedrainpipe 127 is preferably located directly under the wash basin 20(see, e.g., FIG. 18). As seen in FIGS. 5-9, the lavatory system 10preferably includes an integral drying system, e.g., a hand dryer 50.The dryer 50 has a hand-receiving cavity 52 and a motor 74. In onepreferred embodiment, a mechanism 40 for preventing flooding and damageto the motor 74 is provided. The mechanism 40 may include a flood reliefrim or overflow lip 44 located on the wash basin 20, see, e.g., FIG. 6A.The flood relief rim 44 is provided below the lower portion's air outlet56 and the nozzle tips 162 b as shown. Thus, water that cannot make itdown the drain 42 will flow over the flood relief rim 44 and not downthe nozzle holes 162 b and into the motor 74. Other motor protection andflood prevention mechanisms 40 will be described further below.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the hand dryer 50 may be provided with etchedinstructional indicia, a heat wave symbol, or light 31. A drain conduit47 is preferably present to fluidly connect the hand-receiving cavity 52and wash basin 20. The conduit 47 removes excess water from the user'shands that has been left through the hand-receiving cavity 52 downtoward the single drain 42 in the wash basin 20. This water then travelsdown the drainpipe 127, see, e.g., FIG. 18.

As best seen in FIG. 5, the hand dryer 50 is preferably provided with atop portion 53 and a bottom portion 55. The top portion 53 may alsoinclude a hood 51 with a base which forms a top wall 57 of the cavity52. The top portion hood 51 may also include a top portion cover whichmay form a shelf 58. An upper air outlet 54 is also provided in theupper portion 53.

As best shown in FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B, a bottom portion 55 includes alower air outlet 56. The bottom portion 55 is formed, in part, by bottomwall 59. The bottom portion 55 of the hand-receiving cavity 52preferably also includes a back wall 60, front wall 61, and single sidewall 62 (see, e.g., FIG. 5). A front ledge 63 is preferably integralwith the front wall 61. The hand-receiving cavity 52, therefore, ispreferably configured to have a front opening 64 and a single sideopening 65 (herein the left side) and allow users to enter their handsat a generally oblique angle. Further, instructions 69 for using thehand dryer may provided on the front ledge 63 as shown in FIG. 6B.

As best shown in FIG. 7, one embodiment includes a top wall or base 57that attaches to the backsplash 32 (not shown) and countertop 30 (notshown) preferably with bolts 68 a and 68 b. A side anchoring screw 68 cis also provided to attach the top portion to side wall 62 (see, e.g.,FIG. 9). The top portion 53 preferably also has multiple sensors 103 a-dand LED lights, e.g., 108 a-e located therein and preferably covered bya window to protect them from splashing water and debris.

FIG. 8 shows the top portion 53 of the hand dryer 50 with the top cover58 removed. Inside the top portion 53 is a hose 140 a which attaches toa first or upper plenum 142. The hose 140 a is connected to the first orupper plenum air inlet 143 (see, e.g., FIG. 11) to provide air to theupper plenum 142.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a second, or lower plenum 144, is alsoprovided. The lower plenum 144 is connected to a hose 140 b whichdelivers air to the lower plenum 144 via a lower plenum air inlet 145.The preferably flexible hoses 140 a and 140 b are attached to a firstoutlet port 88 and a second outlet port 90 which are preferably on orpart of a motor housing 70. A motor 74, with a fan 76 (see, e.g. FIG.16), provides air to the hand dryer 50. The air outlets 54, 56 areconfigured in such a way so that they provide air into thehand-receiving cavity 52 (see, e.g., FIGS. 5 and 6B) downwardly and backtoward the back wall 60. For example, in one embodiment the two outletor exhaust ports 54, 56 are offset from one another in horizontalplanes, i.e., the lower plenum 144 nozzle holes 164 b are at about a 37degree angle from horizontal and located closer to the user than theupper plenum 142 nozzle holes 164 a which are at about an angle of 1degree rearward from vertical and located closer to the backsplash 32 ofthe hand dryer cavity 52. This configuration prevents water fromsplashing onto the user once it is removed from the user's hands. FIG.10 shows the motor 74 and motor housing 70 operably connected to plenums142, 144. As shown, the motor housing 70 preferably has an aluminumcover plate 72 and an intake cover 96.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show the upper plenum 142 in detail. The upper plenum142, preferably, is constructed of top piece 146 and a bottom piece 148.The upper plenum air inlet 143 is preferably integral with the upperplenum's 142 top piece 146 and bottom piece 148. A center post 150 and ascrew 152 may be used to connect the top piece 146 to the bottom piece148. Plastic bonding techniques, such as adhesives, may also be used.Additional screws and posts may also be provided along the outside ofthe plenum 142. The plenum 142 preferably has top nozzles 160 a moldedinto it to provide the top portion upper air outlet 54. The top nozzles160 a preferably include pointed or frustoconical nozzle tips 162 a thathave nozzle holes 164 a therethrough. The upper plenum 142 has multipleprojections or tabs 147 a protruding therefrom. The projections 147 aact as connecting points for screws to attach the plenum to the lavatorysystem 10.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the lower plenum 144 is similarlyconfigured. The lower plenum 144 has a top piece 147 connected to abottom piece 149, preferably, by bonding and/or posts and screws. Alower plenum air inlet 145 is also provided. The lower plenum air inlet145 is preferably integral with the rest of the lower plenum 144. Thelower plenum 144 also has multiple projections or tabs 147 b protrudingtherefrom which act as connecting points for screws to attach the plenum144 to the lavatory system 10. Like the upper plenum, the lower plenum144 is preferably constructed of two injection-molded plastic top andbottom pieces bonded and/or screwed together. The lower plenum may alsocontain a center post screw (not shown) to minimize deflection of theplenum when pressurized.

Bottom nozzles 160 b are provided, again, preferably by molding into thelower plenum 144. Lower nozzles 160 b, like the upper nozzles 160 a,preferably have protruding frustoconical nozzle tips 162 b each of whichhas a nozzle hole 164 b therethrough. The shape of the nozzle tips 162 bon the lower plenum 144 further acts as a flood prevention mechanism 40to protect the motor 74.

The hand dryer blower motor 74 and motor housing 70 are best shown inFIGS. 15 and 16. Motor housing 70 includes an aluminum cover plate 72and an upper or outer casement 80. An intake air manifold cap or housingcap 82 is provided toward a lower end of the motor housing 70. The motor74 is inside the motor housing 70 and has a fan 76 with blades (notshown). Preferably, a rubber motor mounting ring and/or housingisolation gasket 86 is also provided. This gasket 86 helps reducevibrations and deaden the motor's sound. A filter 84 is preferablyprovided within the housing 70 to filter the intake air. The filter 84is preferably constructed of HEPA media or some other suitable media.Also contained within the motor housing 70 is acoustic insulation foam83 to further isolate and lessen motor noise. The intake air portion orlower portion of the housing cap 82 is configured with a solid centersection 95 surrounded by a circular pattern of holes 94. Thisconfiguration is spaced at a distance similar to the half wave length ofthe fan blade passing frequency of the fan motor 74. As a result,acoustical waves are reflected off of the solid center section 95 on thebottom of the housing cap 82 at a fan cowling and the acoustical foam83, and eventually propagate through the circular hole pattern 94 in anattenuated manner.

A filter or intake cover 96 may also be provided in the housing 70 tocontain or to hold the filter 84 in place. To further attenuate soundgenerated by the fan motor 74, insulation or acoustical foam 97 isplaced on the inside of the intake cover 96. The cover 96 is preferablyfurther configured to redirect the intake air 90 degrees from the axialcenter of the fan 76 and motor 74. This design promotes reflection ofacoustical waves off of the noise reducing acoustical foam 97. A wire 87is provided to keep the filter cover 96 in place.

As shown in FIG. 15, the first outlet port 88 and second outlet port 90may include first outlet port grate 92 a and second outlet port grate 92b, respectively, to prevent fingers or hands from accidentally beingpushed into the motor 74 (not shown). These grates are preferablyintegrally molded into the port outlets.

Referring to FIG. 16, in one preferred embodiment, a motor control boardor circuit board 98 is contained in the housing 70 and includes a motorcontrol, e.g., a microcontroller 99, for turning the motor on/off andfurther controlling the motor 74. This microcontroller 99 may be incommunication with several other sensors and/or subsystems, as will bedescribed more fully below. The board 98 is preferably in communicationwith aluminum plate 72 which acts as a heat sink to channel heat awayfrom the board 98. The plate 72 also acts as mounting platform for theboard 98.

As shown in FIG. 18, the lavatory system 10 is preferably attached to alavatory wall 118 and can be mounted at different heights to accommodateadults, children, and those with disabilities. A frame 120 may beconnected to the lavatory wall to support the lavatory system 10. Theframe 120 preferably has two triangular-shaped brackets 121, 122 havingflat surfaces support columns 126, 128 on an underside of the wash basin20 and hand dryer portion 50. A drain pipe 127 connects the drain 42(see, e.g., FIG. 2) to the lavatory's plumbing behind the lavatory wall118. Screws or other fastening means secure the brackets in place.

The frame 120 and drain pipe 127 are preferably covered by a lavatorysystem cover 130 (best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2). The lavatory system cover130 not only conceals the frame, motor, electrical connections, andplumbing, but it also preferably reduces the sound level experienced bythe user. The cover 130 preferably also has brand indicia 131 and otheruser instructional indicia contained thereon. First end cap 115 a andsecond end cap 115 b help secure the cover 130 to lavatory system 10.The end caps 115 a, 115 b are preferably made of stainless steel and thecover 130 is preferably made of a plastic and/or resin material, e.g., aClass A fire-rated polymer. A primary air inlet 136 (see, e.g., FIG. 9)is preferably provided by creating a small gap between the lavatory wall118 and the cover 130. The gap provides noise attenuation and alsoprevent foreign objects from getting sucked into the primary air inlet136.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a preferred air flow from the motor 74 outthe first outlet port 88 and second outlet port 90. From the firstoutlet port 88, the air travels up through a grate 92 a and via a hose140 a to a first or upper plenum 142 and out an air outlet 54. The airoutlet 54 channels the air through individual upper nozzles 160 a havingupper nozzle tips 162 a with air holes and into columns of air directeddownwardly at a user's hands in the cavity. From the second outlet port90, the air travels through a second outlet port grate 92 b and via ahose 140 b to a second or lower plenum 144 and out an air outlet 56. Theair outlet 56 channels the air up through lower nozzles 160 b havinglower nozzle tips 162 b with air holes and into columns of air directedoutwardly at a user's hands in the cavity.

In a preferred embodiment, upper and lower nozzle tips 162 a, 162 bconnected to the nozzles 162 a, 162 b emit high speed colliding columnsof air to shear water off the user's hand. The tips, holes, andresulting air columns are spaced and calibrated in such a way as toreduce forces on the user's hand which would otherwise move the handtoward the upper or lower plenums or the side surfaces. As mentioned,one way of accomplishing this spacing and calibration is to have theaxis of the air flow from upper plenum 142 nozzle holes 164 a angledabout 1 degree from vertical and aimed toward the cavity back wall 60(FIG. 9) and the axis of the air flow from lower plenum 144 nozzle holes164 b angled about 37 degrees from horizontal and aimed toward thecavity back wall 60. Moreover, the upper to lower nozzle tip spacing maybe about 3.5 inches apart and the hand-receiving cavity 52 (see, e.g.,FIG. 5) may have width of about 9.5 to 10 inches to provide the userwith optimal comfort when using.

In one embodiment, the nozzles 160 a, 160 b preferably have tips 162 a,162 b that are pointed protrusions that help pull static air into theair columns. These rows of nozzles are preferably mounted on two,approximately ten (10) inch, rectangular blocks or blades that fit,respectively, into the top and bottom air outlets 54, 56. The blades arepreferably integral with the upper and lower plenums 142, 144. There areapproximately 20 nozzles with tips formed or molded into each blade.These tips are approximately 0.050-0.060 inches long and have a diameterat the base of approximately 0.160-0.220 inches. The holes therein arepreferably about 0.101 inches in diameter. From the center of one nozzlehole to the center of the next nozzle hole, it is preferably about 0.50inches. As mentioned, the tips 162 a, 162 b preferably have a generallyfrustoconical shape to help prevent water from entering the nozzles 160a, 160 b and also have about a 6 degree taper. In one preferredembodiment, the tips have a smooth, slightly rounded side wall toprevent catching of clothing or jewelry. When the dryer 50 is in use,the user's hands are preferably about 0.75 inches away from the nozzletips.

As discussed, in one embodiment the nozzles and holes on the top bladeand the nozzles and holes on the bottom blade are at different anglesfrom the horizontal plane and vertically aligned with one another sothat the collision of the upper and lower streams of air provide aunique air flow pattern. This configuration helps to generate ans-shaped airflow pattern. However, in another alternative embodiment,the holes and nozzles are lined up directly across the cavity from eachother.

In one embodiment, the bidirectional or dual-sided dryer uses 1600 watts(or 13.7 amps) and will dry hands in about 15 seconds at 80 decibels(dB) with 70 cubic feet per minute (CFM). In this embodiment, the dryerruns off a 120V outlet and requires a dedicated 20 ampere (amp) circuit.Ground fault interruption (GFI) circuit protection is preferred.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 17, a sensor control board 100 ispreferably provided in the top portion 53 near the upper plenum 142(see, e.g. FIG. 9). The sensor control board 100 includes amicrocontroller 78, and a multitude of sensors 103 a, 103 b, 103 c, 103d. In the preferred embodiment, four proximity sensors are provided inseries. These work together through triangulation to detect an object oruser hand in the cavity 52 (see, e.g., FIG. 5). Lights or LEDs 108 a-mmay also be mounted to the control board 100. Some or all of the LEDs108 a-l may be activated when the sensors 103 a-d detect an object inthe hand-receiving cavity 52.

In one preferred embodiment, the LEDs 108 a-m are operably connected tothe hand dryer 50. For example, LEDs 108 a-d continuously illuminate thehand-receiving cavity 52 at a low intensity level when a sensor does notdetect the presence of an object, i.e., the cavity is not in use or in“stand-by”. However, when a sensor detects that an object has enteredinto the hand-receiving cavity 52, and during dryer 50 activation,preferably the LEDs 108 e-h and 108 i-l also illuminate cavity and thusincrease the overall intensity level of light in the cavity. In anotherembodiment, LEDs 108 a—do not begin to illuminate the cavity until thesoap is dispensed or the water begins to flow in the basin.

In a preferred embodiment, when a staff member wishes to clean andservice the lavatory system 10 the staff member may engage a servicemode. Here the LEDs 108 a-d and 108 e-h continuously illuminate thehand-receiving cavity 52. Activation of hand dryer 50 is also suppressedby communication between microcontroller 78 and microcontroller 99. Inone embodiment, service mode activation is accomplished by triggering asensor, e.g., the right-most sensor 103 d in the upper portion of thehand-receiving cavity 52, for an extended time period. Thus, if this onesensor consistently detects an object in the hand-receiving cavity 52,the hand dryer 50 is disabled for about 30 to 60 seconds and some of theLEDs, e.g., LEDs 108 e-h, may be illuminated at a high-intensity level.This allows the hand-receiving cavity 52 to be temporarily cleanedwithout further engaging the hand dryer 50.

The LEDs, e.g., 108 i-l, may flash in certain ways when the service modehas been started and/or is about to end. For example in one embodiment,prior to the service mode, one row of 4 white LEDs provides lower levelillumination of the hand dryer cavity. However, if the rightmost sensoris triggered within the last 2 seconds and if a hand is placed over therightmost sensor for the period of 3 seconds, a row of 4 amber LEDs willrapidly flash twice to designate that the unit is entering the servicemode. At the same time, a second row of 4 white LED's will turn on toincrease the illumination of the hand cavity for approximately 30seconds to assist in cleaning. After approximately 25 seconds from whenthe service mode was started, the row of 4 amber LEDs will flash threetimes to indicate that the service mode cycle is nearing completion. Atthe end of the service mode cycle (5 seconds after the 4 amber LEDsflash three times or about 30 seconds in total service cycle length),the second row of white LEDs will turn off and the hand dryer cavitywill remain lit at the lower level of illumination by the first row of 4LEDs.

In one embodiment, the service mode includes a microcontroller with aprogrammed touchless cleaning mode feature wherein if one sensor is theonly sensor activated within the last two seconds and if activatedcontinuously for about three seconds, the hand dryer 50 will enter themode to allow cleaning of the hand dryer 50. This mode lasts for about30 seconds without activation of the dryer and then the microcontrollerwill return the system to normal operation. The microcontroller willflash the LED lights twice when entering the cleaning mode and threetimes when approaching a time near the end of a cleaning cycle which isapproximately 25 seconds into an about 30 second cleaning cycle. If thecleaning mode is longer in another embodiment, the lights will flash 3times 5 seconds before the end of the cleaning cycle.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing triangulation of the sensors 103 a-103 d indetecting an object in the hand-receiving cavity 52, e.g., a user's hand166. In a preferred embodiment, it should be noted that hand entryoccurs at an oblique angle. Hand 166 entry angles range fromapproximately 5 to 50 degrees from horizontal depending on the user'sheight and the mounting height of the lavatory system 10. For example,sensors 103 a-d may be infrared (IR) sensors with emitter sectionsemitting IR light 104 a-d, respectively. The IR light 104 a and 104 bmay be reflected by hand 166. Each IR sensor 103 a-d also has adetection module 105 a-d, respectively.

The sensor detection modules 105 a and 105 b utilize an internaltriangulation algorithm to sense IR light, 106 a and 106 b respectively,when an object is in the sensor's field of view. When a user's hand 166enters the hand-receiving cavity 52, the sensor detection modules 105 aand 105 b output an electrical signal (e.g. a 5 volt signal). Thissignal is used by the microcontroller 78 to determine whether toactivate the hand dryer (50) and LED lights 108 e-l (see FIG. 17).

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a preferred electronic controlcommunications embodiment. In this embodiment, at least onemicrocontroller 78 communicates with the various subsystems, e.g., thefirst, second, third, and fourth hand dryer sensors 103 a-d, LED lights108 a-l, and hand dryer 50 (including hand dryer motor's microcontroller99). In this embodiment, the microcontroller 78 may include apre-programmed programmable unit having a time delay mechanism forturning the subsystems on and off in a certain sequence. For example,the delay may be approximately 400-800 ms. Of course, it is appreciatedthat one or more microcontrollers may be used, for example, one for eachsubsystem, and may therefore be configured to communicate with eachother. In one embodiment, a sensor control board or circuit board 100(see, e.g., FIG. 17) is provided and includes a microcontroller 78 and asingle bank of sensors (103 a-d) to measure distance by triangulation.There may also be present on this sensor control board 100, LEDs 108 a-dthat will continuously illuminate the hand-receiving cavity 52. LEDs 108e-h and LEDs 108 i-l may also be present and illuminate when the sensors103 a-d detect a user's hand 166 in the cavity. In one embodiment, whitelights are used when the dryer is in stand-by, and amber lights are usedwhen the dryer is in use.

A programmable unit may be present on the sensor control board 100and/or motor control board 98 and preferably includes a time-delaymechanism, for example, in communication with an on/off switch for themotor 74. In this embodiment, when one of the sensors 103 a-d isactivated by an object in the hand-receiving cavity 52, themicrocontroller 78 rechecks the activated sensor multiple times tovalidate that an object is in the hand-receiving cavity 52. Then thedelay mechanism allows users to enter their hands 166 fully into thehand-receiving cavity 52 prior to the hand dryer motor 74 achieving fullspeed. This minimizes the potential of any splashing of water back onthe user as a result of the fully active hand dryer imposing a shearingaction on water present on the user's hands. There may be additionalsensors (not shown) that may inhibit the dispensing of water or soap oractivation of the dryer when a critical water level is reached in thewash basin and thus prevent overflow, flooding, and/or motor damage.

In one embodiment, multiple distance sensors 103 a-d utilizetriangulation one at a time and from left to right in their field ofview to detect an object. These sensors are preferably positioned sothey are recessed in the upper portion 53 and aimed vertically into thehand-receiving cavity 52. Recessing is minimal, however, to avoidadversely impacting sensor operation. In one embodiment, the sensorboard 100 is programmed to check all sensors at about 130 milliseconds(ms) intervals. When a sensor flags a detection, it is then rechecked 15times over about a 15 ms period to ensure the detection was not a falsetrigger.

The temperature rise of the air during a drying cycle is dependent uponhow long the user keeps the hand dryer 50 activated. Since the system 10does not use an auxiliary air heater, the air temperature rise is aresult of the heat generated by the inefficiency of the motor 74. Theother factor dictating the motor temperature rise is how frequently themotor 74 is activated. In a high usage environment (airport, sportsarena, etc.), the motor 74 will not typically cool down very muchbetween cycles and the air temperature rise experienced by the user willbe significantly higher than that of a hand dryer which operatesinfrequently. The following chart shows some typically temperatures.

Expected Temperature Rise Above Ambient Drying Temperature (F.) @ 120 VCycle Cycle Length (rated operating voltage) Normal 12-15 seconds 12-50Maximum    30 seconds 22-50

In one embodiment, additional safety and cleaning features may bepresent. For example, UV lighting or some other sterilization techniqueto disinfect the hand-receiving cavity 52 may be provided. Further, onlyone drain may be provided between the wash basin 20 and outside ofhand-receiving cavity 52 to eliminate the need for another device tocatch water from the dryer 50 that must be emptied and can collectharmful molds or germs. Certain dryer components, like the nozzles 160a, 160 b, may have an antimicrobial additive molded into the plastic.Further, the entire wash basin 20 and hand-receiving cavity 52 may beconstructed, in part, of an antimicrobial material or may be coated withsuch a material during manufacture.

In one embodiment, a second row of holes, a slot, and a port are presentto provide a lower velocity air stream to further minimize watersplashing onto a user.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, the drying system or dryer 250 maybe a stand alone unit but still mounted in close proximity to the washbasin. In this embodiment, lavatory hand dryer 250 includes ahand-receiving cavity 252, a top portion 253, a bottom portion 255, aback side or wall 260, and at least one side wall 262. Note that while aright side wall is shown, the dryer may have only a left side wall.Alternatively, two side walls or partial side walls may be present. Thetop portion 253 may also include a hood 251 which forms a top wall orside 257 of the cavity 252. The top portion hood 251 may also include atop portion cover which may form a shelf 258. An upper air outlet 254 isalso provided in the top or upper portion 253 and incorporates nozzleholes 262 a.

A bottom portion 255 includes a lower air outlet 256. The bottom portion255 is formed, in part, by a bottom wall or side 259. The bottom portion255 of the hand-receiving cavity 252 also includes a back wall or side260, front wall or side 261, and side wall 262. A front ledge 263 isintegral with the front wall 261. The hand-receiving cavity 252,therefore, is preferably configured to have a front opening 264 and aside opening 265 (shown on the left side). In this embodiment, thedryer's configuration and placement preferably allows the user to easilytransition the hands from the wash basin to the dryer without drippingwater onto the floor.

In one preferred embodiment, a mechanism 240 for preventing flooding anddamage to the hand dryer motor is provided as well as to prevent waterblown from a users' hands from falling to the floor and creating a sliphazard or unsanitary conditions. The mechanism 240 may include a floodrelief rim 244 located on, for example, the left side of thehand-receiving cavity 252 at the opening 265. The flood relief rim 244is provided below the lower portion's air outlet 256 and the nozzle tips262 b as shown. Thus, water flows over the flood relief rim 244 and notdown the nozzle holes 264 b and into the motor (not shown). In addition,another motor protection mechanism 240 may be the frustoconical lowernozzle tips 262 b which resist the entry of water.

Other preferred embodiments of the hand dryer 250 may include a sidewall 262 on the left side and an opening 265 on the right side. In yetanother preferred embodiment, the hand dryer 250 may include both a leftside side wall and a right side side wall.

The primary components of the inventive lavatory system including thedryer bottom wall, a back wall, and single side wall are preferablyformed from a plastic and/or resin material. In one embodiment, thesystem components may be formed from a solid polymeric and/or apolymeric and stone material. In another embodiment, the systemcomponents may be manufactured from Terreon® or TerreonRE® which are lowemitting, e.g., Greenguard™ materials and available from the BradleyCorporation of Wisconsin.

In another embodiment, as best shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, lavatory system310 has another mechanism 340 to prevent flooding of the motor (notshown). For example, as shown a drainage hole 350 is present in a lowerportion of the hand-receiving cavity 352 to preferably provide anintegrated overflow drain. Hole 350 is connected a drainage tube 360 andis located slightly below the plenum 365 and plenum outlet 355 andnozzle holes to prevent flooding of the motor. The drainage tube 360connects to the drainpipe 347 located beneath the basin 320. Of course,as is know in the art, traditional drainage systems, like weep holes inthe basin itself, may also be provided While the preferred embodimentsand best modes of utilizing the present invention have been disclosedabove, other variations are also possible. For example, the materials,shape, and size of the components may be changed. Additionally, it isunderstood that a number of modifications may be made in keeping withthe spirit of the system 10 of the present invention. For example, thesystem 10 may include features of the various embodiments set forth inPCT Application No. PCT/US2010/051647 filed on Oct. 6, 2010 and US Pub.Nos. US2008/0109956A1 published on May 15, 2008 and US2009/0077736A1published on Mar. 26, 2009, all of which are expressly incorporatedherein by reference. Further, a number of lavatory systems like the oneshown in FIG. 1 can be mounted in a row or otherwise joined together asneeded.

Thus, it is specifically intended that the present invention not belimited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein, butincludes modified forms of those embodiments including portions of theembodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments ascome within the scope of the following claims.

1. A lavatory system comprising: a wash basin; a faucet operablyconnected to the wash basin; a soap dispensing system having a spoutoperably connected to the wash basin; a hand dryer in fluidcommunication with the wash basin and including a hand-receiving cavity,a top portion with an air outlet, and a bottom portion with an airoutlet; a motor in fluid communication with the air outlets for blowingair through the air outlets; multiple proximity sensors operablyconnected to the motor; and a mechanism to prevent water from enteringthe air outlets.
 2. The lavatory system of claim 1, further comprisinggenerally frustoconical protrusions that extend from the bottom portionair outlet and prevent water from entering into the air outlets and themotor.
 3. The lavatory system of claim 1, further comprising: a framesupporting the wash basin, the motor, and two end caps, wherein theframe includes a first generally triangular bracket mounted to alavatory wall and a second generally triangular bracket mounted to alavatory wall; a countertop integral with the wash basin and hand dryer;a drainpipe connected to a single drain in the wash basin; a coveroperably connected to the two end caps to mask the frame and drainpipe;and a primary air inlet in fluid communication with the motor andincluding a small gap between the cover and a lavatory wall to minimizesound; wherein the mechanism is an overflow lip integral with the washbasin and located on a left side front edge of the wash basin and islower than the bottom portion air outlet.
 4. The lavatory system ofclaim 1, wherein the motor has air outlet ports in fluid communicationwith the air outlets and is generally supported by a countertop, and theports are covered by integral grates to prevent an object from beinginserted into the motor.
 5. The lavatory system of claim 1, wherein atleast one hand of a user is inserted into the cavity at about a 5 to 50degree angle from the horizontal, and the air outlets eject air at about2.2 to 2.9 PSI at the user's hand.
 6. The lavatory system of claim 1,further comprising a service mode wherein a right-most sensor istriggered to allow the hand-receiving cavity to be temporarily cleanedwithout further engaging the hand dryer motor.
 7. The lavatory system ofclaim 1, wherein if only one sensor consistently detects an object, thehand dryer is disabled for 30 to 60 seconds to facilitate cleaning ofthe hand cavity.
 8. The lavatory system of claim 1, wherein four sensorsin the cavity are continuously queried by a microcontroller to detectthe presence of an object in the cavity, and the motor operates when anobject is detected.
 9. The lavatory system of claim 1, furthercomprising a sensor control board and motor control board; and whereinthe motor has a pre-programmed unit to cause an activation delay ofapproximately 400-800 ms.
 10. The lavatory system of claim 1, furthercomprising a motor housing having an outer casement surrounding themotor; a microcontroller operably connected to the motor; a motorhousing cap in communication with the casement; a rubber motor mountingisolation ring and housing gasket operably connected to the motor; afirst and second outlet port operably connected to the motor and eachconnecting to a hose; a HEPA media filter to prevent debris fromentering the motor; and insulation to deaden the sound of the motor. 11.The lavatory system of claim 1, wherein the top portion air outlet andbottom portion air outlet are respectively fluidly connected to a firstplenum and a second plenum which respectively connect via hoses to afirst outlet port and second outlet port on a motor housing, and whereineach plenum is formed from two pieces of injected-molded plastic.
 12. Alavatory system comprising: a wash basin; a faucet protruding from thewash basin; a soap dispensing spout protruding from the wash basin; ahand dryer integral with the wash basin having a cavity, a top portionwith air holes, and a bottom portion with air holes; and sensors andlights operably connected to the hand dryer to illuminate the hand dryercavity at a low intensity level when a sensor does not detect thepresence of an object and when a sensor detects that an object hasentered into the dryer cavity and during dryer activation illuminate ata high intensity level.
 13. The lavatory system of claim 12, furthercomprising a motor housing having an outer casement and operablyconnected to the hand dryer; a motor within the casement; a fanconnected to the motor; an integral control operably connected to themotor; a housing cap in communication with the casement, wherein thehousing cap has perforations; a rubber motor mounting isolation ring andhousing gasket operably connected to the motor; an outlet for connectingto a hose wherein the outlet contains an integral grate to prevent thetouching of any electrical or rotating parts; a filter to prevent debrisfrom entering the motor; foam to isolate the sound of the motor; afilter cover for covering the filter; an aluminum cover plate on thehousing to provide: a shield for electrical components, a heat sink, astructural mount for cable interfaces, and a common grounding point. 14.The lavatory system of claim 12, further comprising a mechanism forpreventing the bottom portion air holes of the hand dryer from beingfilled with water and including at least one of: an overflow lipintegral with the wash basin and in fluid communication with the dryercavity that is lower than the bottom portion air holes; protrudingfrustoconical nozzles fluidly connected to the air holes; and anoverflow drain integrated into the hand dryer cavity
 15. A hand dryeroperably connected with a wash basin having a faucet and soap dispenserand comprising: a top wall, bottom wall, back wall, and single side wallthat create a hand cavity with a front and single side opening to allowa user's hand to enter only at an oblique angle; a plurality ofgenerally frustoconical nozzle tips for ejecting opposing columns of airat a hand from the top wall and bottom wall; a motor having a first airoutput and second air output in fluid communication with the top andbottom wall nozzle tips; a motor control circuit board connected to themotor; and an intake cover containing an air filter to filter the air.16. The hand dryer of claim 15, wherein the nozzle tips eject air atspeeds of approximately 340-360 MPH at approximately 2.2-2.9 PSI tocreate upper and lower cylindrical columns of air that collide to causean s-shaped air flow pattern that directs water blown off of a user'shand to the bottom wall and back wall and helps minimize splashing ofwater back onto the user; and wherein the cylindrical air columns helpto minimize net forces exerted by the air on a users' hands and arms soas not to push them into the top or bottom walls of the hand dryercavity.
 17. The hand dryer of claim 16, further comprising a primary airinlet in fluid communication with the motor and including a small gapbetween a cover and a lavatory wall to minimize ingestion of foreignmaterials and improve acoustical sound attenuation; and wherein thedryer bottom wall, back wall, and single side wall are formed from apolymeric material and the top wall is formed, in part, by a top portionhood that is relatively horizontal and further serves as a shelf. 18.The hand dryer of claim 15, further comprising at least one of: 1) UVlighting; 2) a sterilization technique to disinfect the hand cavity; 3)a drain in the wash basin and outside of the hand cavity that eliminatesthe need for another device to catch water from the dryer that must beemptied; and 4) certain dryer components that have an antimicrobialadditive.
 19. The hand dryer of claim 15, further comprising at leastone of: a second row of holes, a slot, and a port to provide a lowervelocity air stream to minimize splashing of water onto a user.
 20. Thehand dryer of claim 17, further comprising: a circuit board including amicrocontroller and a single bank of sensors that measure distance bytriangulation and a microcontroller; LEDs that continuously illuminatethe hand cavity and increase in intensity when the sensors detect auser's hand in the cavity; and a programmable unit on the board thatincludes a time-delay mechanism and on/off switch for the motor; whereinthe time-delay mechanism allows the user to enter a hand fully into thehand cavity prior to the motor achieving full speed.
 21. A lavatorysystem comprising: a bidirectional hand dryer having a top side, bottomside, back side, right side, and opposing upper and lower nozzlesrespectively connected to upper and lower plenums; at least two flexibleair delivery hoses connected to the plenums; a motor housing including amotor, ports connected to the hoses, and a motor control; ahand-receiving cavity between the top, bottom, back, and right side forreceiving at least one hand of a user; and upper and lower nozzles tipsconnected to the nozzles that emit high speed colliding columns of airto blow water off of the user's hand; wherein the columns of air arespaced and calibrated in such a way as to reduce forces on the user'shand which would otherwise move the hand toward the upper or lowernozzles or the sides.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the airemitted from the upper plenum is angled about 1 degree from vertical andaimed toward the back side of the cavity and the air emitted from thelower plenum is about 37 degrees from horizontal and aimed toward theback side of the cavity; and wherein the plenums are twoinjection-molded pieces bonded and screwed together, and wherein oneplenum contains a center post screw to minimize deflection of the plenumwhen pressurized.
 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the upper to lowernozzle tip spacing is about 3.5 inches and the hand cavity has a widthof about 10 inches to provide the user with optimal comfort when using;and wherein the tips are frustoconical protrusions that help pull staticair into the air columns and prevent water from entering the nozzles.24. The system of claim 21, further comprising lights that flash twicewhen entering a cleaning mode and three times when approaching a timenear the end of a cleaning mode cycle which is approximately 5 secondsprior to the end of the approximately 30-60 second cleaning cycle. 25.The system of claim 21, further comprising at least one of: multiplesensors in a row which utilize triangulation to detect an object andwherein the sensors are positioned so that they are recessed and aimedat a generally oblique angle into the hand cavity; a sensor boardprogrammed so that all sensors are checked at about 130 ms intervals,and when a sensor flags a detection, it is then rechecked 15 times overabout a 15 ms period to ensure it was not a false trigger; and atouchless cleaning mode feature wherein if one sensor is the only sensoractivated within the last two seconds and if activated continuously forabout three seconds, the dryer will enter a mode to allow cleaning ofthe dryer for about 30 seconds without activation of the dryer and thenreturn to normal operation.